Hey everyone! Assalamu Alaikum. ❤️

I'm 19 years old and from Bangalore, India. I've been developing a genuine interest in Islam, and lately, I've been thinking seriously about learning more about the religion and understanding what it means to embrace Islam.

I'm still at the very beginning of this journey. I don't know everything, and honestly, I have a lot of questions. That's one of the reasons I'm here.

A little about me and why I'm here:

Over time, I've found Islam really interesting. There's something about the faith that has made me curious to understand it beyond what I might hear from other people or see on social media. I want to learn about its beliefs, its teachings, its values, and what it actually means to practise Islam in everyday life.

I'm interested in understanding Islam from the ground up, starting with the basics. I want to learn about Allah, the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), prayer, and the everyday responsibilities and values of being a Muslim.

I'm also trying to understand the difference between simply being interested in a religion and genuinely understanding its beliefs. I don't want to rush into something without learning about it properly. I'd rather take my time, ask questions, listen to people with different experiences, and develop my understanding sincerely.

I've also learned that some people who embrace Islam use the word revert rather than convert. I'd love to understand the meaning behind that and how people experience this journey themselves.

Another reason I'm posting here is that I'd genuinely love to make friends.

I don't have a large social circle at the moment. Most of the people I know are more like colleagues or acquaintances. We might talk occasionally, but I haven't really found those close friendships where you can have meaningful conversations, ask questions without feeling embarrassed, share your thoughts, and learn from each other.

I'd love to meet some kind, open-minded people who would be comfortable talking to someone who's just beginning to explore Islam.

If you're from Bangalore, that's an added bonus! It would be lovely to connect with people nearby, perhaps learn together, have conversations over coffee, or simply build a genuine friendship.

You don't have to be a scholar or an expert. Even someone who remembers what it was like when they first started learning about Islam would be wonderful to talk to.

I also have some genuine concerns about the future.

I think it's important to be honest about this part because exploring a religion isn't just about learning its teachings. It can also raise questions about family, relationships, society, and the kind of future you might have.

Here are some of the things I've been wondering about:

1. Where should I start learning about Islam?

If I know practically nothing, what should I learn first? Are there beginner-friendly books, reliable websites, videos, or other resources that explain Islam in a simple and balanced way?

How can I learn about the Quran, understand its meaning, and gradually learn how to pray?

1. How does someone actually become Muslim?

If someone sincerely believes in Islam and decides to embrace the faith, what steps do they need to take?

Is there someone I should speak to, such as an imam or someone at a local mosque? What should a beginner know before taking that step?

I'd appreciate guidance that is respectful and free from pressure.

1. What is Muslim community life like in India, especially in Bangalore?

I'm curious about what everyday Muslim life looks like. How do people practise their faith while studying, working, maintaining friendships, and living with their families?

Are there welcoming communities where someone new to Islam can ask questions and learn without feeling judged for not knowing much?

1. Is there a caste system or caste-based discrimination among Muslims in India?

This is something I genuinely want to understand.

I've heard that Islam teaches equality among people, but I've also come across discussions about caste and social divisions within Indian Muslim communities.

How does this work in practice? Do family background, community identity, or social status sometimes affect how people are treated? I'd appreciate honest answers that explain both the religious teachings and the realities some people experience.

1. What about marriage and relationships in the future?

I'm only 19, so marriage isn't something I'm planning immediately. However, it's something I think about when considering the long-term implications of embracing a new faith.

If someone from a non-Muslim family becomes Muslim, what challenges might they encounter when it comes to marriage?

Do families generally accept someone who has reverted to Islam? Are there expectations regarding marrying within a particular community, and how much do family background, culture, and personal beliefs matter?

I'd especially appreciate perspectives from people who have experienced this themselves or know someone who has.

1. Will the Muslim community accept me?

This is probably one of my biggest questions.

If I eventually embrace Islam, will people be welcoming even if I don't know Arabic, don't know how to pray yet, or make mistakes while learning?

Will I be able to find people who genuinely support me as I learn, rather than expecting me to know everything from day one?

I understand that every community consists of different people, and everyone's experience is different. I'm simply hoping to hear some honest experiences.

1. What challenges should I realistically prepare for?

I'd like to hear about both the positive and difficult sides of this journey.

For example, have people experienced misunderstandings with family or friends? Has embracing Islam affected their relationships, social lives, or future plans? Have they found supportive friendships and a stronger sense of belonging?

If you've been through this journey, what do you wish someone had told you at the beginning?

I'd rather understand the realities honestly than build unrealistic expectations.

Finally, I'm here because I'd love to connect with people, not just collect information.

If you're Muslim, have reverted to Islam, are also learning about the religion, or simply have experience with these questions, I'd genuinely appreciate hearing from you.

If you're from Bangalore, I'd be especially happy to connect. I'm hoping to find genuine friendships with people who are patient, respectful, and comfortable having meaningful conversations.

I'm open to learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences. You don't need to agree with every thought or question I have. I'd just appreciate kindness, honesty, and the freedom to ask questions without being made to feel ignorant.

If you have any beginner-friendly resources, personal experiences, advice, or recommendations for welcoming communities in Bangalore, please share them.

And if you're comfortable connecting, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I'd love to meet some good people, learn at my own pace, and understand this journey a little better.

I'm still figuring things out, and I don't have all the answers. But I believe it's okay to be curious, ask sincere questions, and take the time to understand something that could become an important part of your life.

Thank you for reading my post. I genuinely appreciate it. ❤️

Looking forward to learning, listening, and hopefully making some wonderful friends along the way.

Are there any other Arab reverts here? I’ve never met one and i’m just genuinely curious! I know it sounds a bit silly but i’m the only one i know(:

Assalamoe alaikum.

Are there reverts who faced family estrangement after their acceptance of Islam? Not directly linked to taking their shahada but more realising they could no longer tolerate certain things even if it’s from loved ones, and this spirally pretty bad while the family blames your religion for your change. Which is not entirely wrong but blaming the religion as the problem rather than it giving you the freedom to open your eyes and see how you’ve been treated is more what happened even if they can’t see.

Really struggling with the guilt of this atm especially with the heavy stigma from the Muslim community in regards to maintaining family ties.

My own research points towards the concept of “no harm or reciprocating harm” , that your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing & that of your children comes before obedience to parents if they are harmful.

Any advice ?? Jazakallahu khayran.